
Have you been curious about tarot but aren’t sure where to start? Starting anything new can be daunting, but don’t worry with a little practice you’ll be tapping into your intuition in no time!
Tarot has been around for centuries in various forms, early versions of tarot cards can be traced back to the late 14th century. However, the most commonly used Smith-Rider-Waite wasn’t published until 1908. Many artists still use the imagery and meanings of the Smith-Rider-Waite deck to this day. If you want to read more about the creation of this deck, you can read the biography of Pamela Colman Smith.
Continue reading “Beginners Guide to Tarot”

It’s finally here! It’s award season … for books! Early every year, the American Library Association (ALA) hosts its annual Youth Media Awards Press Conference. At this time, authors and illustrators of children’s and young adult literature are honored for the outstanding works they have published over the last year.
These books are selected by judging committees of librarians and other literature and media experts, the awards encourage original and creative work. Below are the awards honoring distinguished books for young adult readers. Be sure to check out the book lists for the complete list of winners and honorees! Continue reading “2025 Youth Media Award Winners”

“To anyone out there:
I only ask that you care before it’s too late,
That you live aware and awake,
That you lead with love in hours of hate.
I challenge you to heed this call,
I dare you to shape our fate.
Above all, I dare you to do good
So that the world might be great”
-Amanda Gorman, “An Ode We Owe”
If the world feels too cold, everything is too much, or problems are too heavy come to the library! Libraries welcome everyone! We are here for each other and especially for you. Your library is here to help and books are a great place to start. Before you know it you’ll be a social justice warrior. 🦸🏾 Continue reading “Social Justice & Activism for Teens ✊✊🏻✊🏾”
At the Daniel Boone Regional Library, preparation for March Madness begins in the early winter months when we announce our 16 of our most popular young adult books. This gives you several weeks to read as many of these titles as possible.
Vote NOW through March 1 for your favorite eight books. Then, the tournament heats up as those titles are seeded and face off in head-to-head competition. Each week in March, teens vote to narrow down the list of contenders until a single title emerges as the Mid-Missouri teen book champion!
Each round you vote, your name will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win cool prizes. March Madness is open to all teens ages 12-18 who live in either Boone or Callaway County, Missouri.
How it Works:
Round 1: VOTE NOW through March 1st for the Elite Eight.
Round 2: Vote March 4-10 for the Final Four.
Round 3: Vote March 11-17 for the final two contending titles.
Round 4: Vote March 18-28 for the book tournament champion.
March 31st: The champion is announced!
Each round that you vote, your name is entered into our prize drawing! Limit one ballot per person, per round.
And the Sweet 16 are…
Continue reading “2025 March Madness Begins!”

No, you aren’t seeing double! We are highlighting books that were so nice our readers reviewed them twice. It looks like our readers agree about these faves this time, but we’d love to hear your thoughts! Don’t forget you can fill out our review form any time for a chance to be featured on our blog! Continue reading “Teen Reader Reviews: Double Vision”
Young Adult books aren’t just for teens! In fact, many of our staff regularly read YA so we asked them what their favorites were this year. We asked them to describe their favorite books in three words and to rate them on a scale from 1 to 5 stars. Check out some of their picks below or you can check the full list here! Continue reading “2024 Staff Picks”

We’ve had several staff blogs about J. R. R. Tolkien (read them here, here and here) but now it’s time to hear from our patrons! Check out what our readers had to say about this beloved book series. Whether you are reading them for the first time or for the umpteenth time now is the perfect time to roast some potatoes, light the fires of Gondor and curl up with these classics! Continue reading “Teen Reader Reviews: J. R. R. Tolkien Books”

My sadlings, you have returned for more Sad People Music!
This time of year is filled with complicated emotions and lots of memories. When everyone is pushing the “holiday cheer,” sometimes you just want permission to be a downer. Sad music helps us know we’re not alone. Luckily for you, I have even more sad songs to add to the playlist you put on repeat when you’re all in your feelings. Continue reading “Sad People Music – Vol 2.”

Ugh. It’s fine. Not every book you read will change your life. Not every book on BookTok is earth-shattering. Sometimes the movie IS better. These are all books our readers thought were ok. We’re sharing them in November because it’s probably dreary or whatever. Read these books or don’t. They’re probably better or worse books out there. *shrugs and pulls hoodie over face*
Continue reading “Meh Teen Reader Reviews: Books with ★★★ or less”

It’s getting colder, the leaves are falling, the days are getting shorter.
That’s right kids, it’s sad people music season.
Sad people music is a mood. A vibe. It’s songs for when you want to feel your feelings. Wallow in bed and be miserable for a little while. Let someone else perfectly describe the angst of existing as a sentient creature on a rock hurtling through space. There is a kind of joy in knowing that other people have felt like us, have worried like us, have cried like us. Continue reading “Sad People Music”